Plan A. Hands on Pottery Workshop: Experience the Charm of Shigaraki Ware
Pottery Workshop (Adults): Hands on pottery making experience (90 mins)
Tsuchikko ” Workshop (Children): Fun and creative pottery activities (90 mins).
Includes an optional plate design experience using transfer sheets, with no firing
necessary

Plan B. Art in Residence Tour
A guided tour where visitors will meet artists from around the world working on their
creations. Visitors can also explore Shigaraki’s traditional kilns, such as anagama and
climbing kilns, with detailed explanations by staff (30 60 mins)

Plan C. Guided Exhibition Tour with a Curator
Join a curator for an in depth tour of the exhibition at the museum. Upon request, the
participants can enjoy an up close look at rare antique Shigaraki ware typically displayed behind glass. Additional admission fees are required (30 60 mins).

An investigation into the history of Shigaraki reveals it to be a bountiful land, where Shigaraki Palace once stood, perfectly suited as a location to link other regions together and overflowing with produce from the mountains, sea, lake and fields. Here you can enjoy seasonal cooking that makes full use of this geological advantage.

Plan A:Discover the Charm of Shigaraki Ware and Meet Artisans (3 hours Time Schedule:
1:00 PM: Arrival and introduction.
1:15 PM 2:30 PM: Guided walking tour of Shigaraki's craft scene with a local guide, visiting workshops and a factory with artisan guidance.
2:30 PM 4:00 PM: Custom pottery making experience with an artisan.
*Choose from 3 shapes, 100 glazes, and custom patterns to create your unique piece.
*Finished pieces are delivered to your hotel in Japan within three weeks. (International shipping is available for an additional fee.)

The interior of the Ogawatei hotel is home to a number of Shigaraki-yaki ceramics; sit quietly and you can almost hear the hot breath of the earth that helped to fire them. Here you will be welcomed by verdant nature and the flavors of the seasons. They also offer a popular outdoor bath that can be rented out privately.

Shopping for pottery and Asamiya tea in Shigaraki

Plan A: Atelier Tour with Lunch (120 mins)
A guided tour of the atelier where individuals with disabilities create expressive and unique artworks. Explore the gallery showcasing these acclaimed pieces, with lunch at the on site café (optional without lunch).

Plan B: Lecture on Atelier YAMANAMI’s Initiatives and Involvement in the Arts by the Disabled in Japan (30 60 mins) with Atelier Tour
Gain insight into the wide range of artistic contribution, including exhibitions, films, fashion, and merchandise, as well as the broader art initiatives by individuals with disabilities across Japan.After the lecture, take a guided tour of the atelier and gallery.

Plan C: Documentary Screening and Tour (or Lecture)
Watch a 60 minute documentary created in 2018 that delves into the daily lives and creative inspirations of Atelier YAMANAMI’s artists. Following the screening, visit the atelier and gallery or participate in a lecture.

Plan D: Collaborative Art Experience with An Artist (30～60 mins)
Optional add on to Plan A to C
After learning about Atelier YAMANAMI’s initiatives, join an artist in a hands on creative
session .
*Details regarding fees, the project, and the participating artist can be customized upon request.

The exterior of the Biwako Hotel is designed to evoke the ripples of Lake Biwa and the surrounding mountains. The hotel offers replete facilities for refreshing both body and mind, including large natural hot spring baths, a sauna, and outside baths.

Night Tour of the Museum (From 30 mins / customizable)
Experience an exclusive, fully private museum tour after closing hours, led by the director and expert art staff. Delve into both special and permanent exhibitions and enjoy rare, exclusive access to behind the scenes areas, including the museum’s storage facilities. This fully private after hours tour offers intimate exploration of the museum’s world renowned collection of Art Brut, along with masterpieces by Yuki Ogura (1895 2000), a celebrated Japanese painter whose work has been showcased in solo exhibitions at Japan’s National Museums. Engage deeply with these exceptional
collections through expert insights.

Participants also explore the museum’s storage facilities, designed with unique features like high humidity regulating wood, offering a fascinating contrast to European counterparts.
*Daytime tours are also available upon request.

Return to the hotel (30 mins) and enjoy freshly fried tempura at Tempura Ohmi in the hotel

Check out of the hotel and transfer to Kyoto (30 min) or Maibara (70 min *Please consider incorporating other itinerary plans and activities into your schedule.